Importance of heart health screenings - types & why it is important

It's no secret that heart disease is a leading cause of death worldwide, and it doesn't just strike the heart. Heart failure, stroke, renal disease, and artery disease can all be avoided with early identification.

The vitality of Cardiovascular Screening

The phrase "heart disease" represents various conditions affecting the cardiovascular system. It's common practice to use the terms "heart disease" and "cardiovascular disease" interchangeably.

Disorders in the blood vessels that supply the heart and other important organs are the root of this disease, a top global killer. Early detection and treatment can prevent complications like heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease.

Why is cardiovascular screening important?

Lifestyle factors such as smoking, lack of exercise, and poor nutrition are the root causes of cardiovascular disease and lead to early tissue damage. Obesity, hypertension, and diabetes are just high-risk conditions that might emerge.

Those at risk for future heart disease, stroke, and other serious organ problems can be identified by screening. Also, it identifies those who have risk factors for cardiovascular disease that are reversible and can be changed to lower their risk.

Categories of Examinations

In the context of adult preventive care, regular cardiac screenings are crucial.

Your doctor will probably recommend that you begin attending frequent screenings sometime after age 20 and possibly sooner.

Further testing may be recommended if your screening findings indicate you have heart disease or are at high risk for developing heart disease.

The best time to start testing and how often you should test depends on your family history.

Regular health examinations

The following heart health checks are recommended by doctors regardless of a patient's family history of cardiovascular disease:-

  • Most people should begin getting their blood pressure and cholesterol checked at age 20 and their blood glucose checked at age 40–45.

  • Your doctor may recommend beginning these checks earlier than the recommended age range if you have certain risk factors for heart disease or strong family history.

  • They might also request tests for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP). C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sign of inflammation or infection and has been linked to an increased risk of heart attack, which is measured by this test.
Extracardiac evaluations

If your physician has reason to suspect heart disease, they may order one or more of the following diagnostic procedures:- 

Electrocardiography - Sticky, little electrodes are placed on your chest and connected to electrocardiogram (ECG) equipment. The electrical activity of your heart is monitored and recorded by this device, which then displays this data to you.

Physical exertion for a heart stress test.- You'll have to stick some electrodes to your chest and hook up to an ECG machine. Then, a medical practitioner will observe your heart's reaction to exercise by having you walk, run, or ride on a treadmill or stationary bike.

Echocardiography.- To diagnose issues with the heart's pumping function and evaluate the heart valves, a medical practitioner uses an ultrasound machine to capture moving images of the heart. This may be done both before and after you exercise or take specific medications to see how your heart reacts to stress.

Analysis of nuclear stress.- In this procedure, a small amount of radioactive dye is put into your bloodstream and follows your blood to your heart. Medical professionals can examine your heart's blood flow by taking images of it at rest and after physical activity.

CT calcium scoring of the heart.- Electrodes are placed on your chest, and you lie beneath a CT scanner to capture your heart's electrical activity. Medical professionals can examine your heart and detect plaque in your coronary arteries by using CT scans to make images of your organ.

Coronary CT angiography (CTA).- Another similar test involves lying on a CT scanner with electrodes attached to your chest so a doctor may record your heart's activity and develop images of your heart from the CT scan's photos. Plaque buildup in the coronary arteries can be better seen after a contrast dye injection into the bloodstream.

Diagnostic coronary angiography performed by catheter. - Catheters are thin tubes placed into an artery in the groin or arm and guided to the heart. To determine if coronary arteries are obstructed or constricted, contrast dye is administered through the catheter, and X-rays of the heart are taken.

If your doctor gives you a diagnosis of heart disease, they may suggest using several different treatment approaches.


Dr. Sarita Rao is known for best Heart Disease Treatment in Indore Madhya Pradesh. If you are looking for a Top Cardiologist in MP, visit Dr. Sarita Rao and book your appointment now. 

Online visit for more information- https://drsaritaraocardiologist.com/

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